Russia eyes Hyperloop-like system of its own

Russia is reportedly hatching a plan for a high-speed transport system of its own

We might be yet to see a fully-formed Hyperloop in action, but that doesn't mean some international officials aren't already inspired by Elon Musk's futuristic transport system. According to local news reports, Russia is contemplating a Hyperloop-like project to connect the country from north to south, and east to west.

Local news service RBCreports that the first section of the proposed system would connect ports in the Baltic Sea with terminals in Moscow. A link between Moscow and St Petersburg, some 700 km (435 mi) apart, could follow thereafter.

"The cost of the project by western standards, US$21 billion, according to our standards, about half as much, $12 to $13 billion," Anatoly Zaitsev, head of St Petersburg Railway Innovation Development Centre, told RBC.

This follows comments from Russian transport Minister Maxim Sokolov earlier in May, which declared the country's preparedness for a high-speed transport system.

"Probably, Russia is ready as no other country for the implementation of this project," the minister said, as quoted by TASS. "As for the Hyperloop project, similar works have been conducted for quite a long time. Do we expect any steps in this connection? In principle, yes, and our transport strategy through 2030 reflects the use of new developments accumulated in the sphere of transport, including new transport means."